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Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk
We were created by an infinitely creative God to reflect his love and character to the world. One way we do that is by continuing his creative work. In this energizing book, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author Jordan Raynor helps artists, entrepreneurs, writers, and other creatives reimagine our work as service to God and others, addressing such penetrating questions as
- Is my work as a creative really as God-honoring as that of a pastor or missionary?
- What does it look like to create not to make a name for myself but to glorify God and serve others?
- How can I use my work to fulfill Jesus's command to create disciples?
- Will what I make today matter in eternity?
To answer these questions, Raynor shares compelling stories from an eclectic group of 40+ Christian entrepreneurs, including the founders of TOMS Shoes, Charity: Water, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, Guinness, HTC, and Sevenly, as well as nontraditional entrepreneurs such as C. S. Lewis, Johann Sebastian Bach, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Raynor's "show" rather than "tell," story-driven style makes you feel as if you are sitting at the feet of some of the godliest and most successful entrepreneurs of all time.
Perfectly poised to reach today's growing creative class, this unique work restores God's position as the first entrepreneur, helping readers see the eternal value in the work they do today.
- Is my work as a creative really as God-honoring as that of a pastor or missionary?
- What does it look like to create not to make a name for myself but to glorify God and serve others?
- How can I use my work to fulfill Jesus's command to create disciples?
- Will what I make today matter in eternity?
To answer these questions, Raynor shares compelling stories from an eclectic group of 40+ Christian entrepreneurs, including the founders of TOMS Shoes, Charity: Water, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, Guinness, HTC, and Sevenly, as well as nontraditional entrepreneurs such as C. S. Lewis, Johann Sebastian Bach, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Raynor's "show" rather than "tell," story-driven style makes you feel as if you are sitting at the feet of some of the godliest and most successful entrepreneurs of all time.
Perfectly poised to reach today's growing creative class, this unique work restores God's position as the first entrepreneur, helping readers see the eternal value in the work they do today.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
803 people are currently reading
2797 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Raynor
20 books1,414 followersJordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
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did-not-finish
September 12, 2019Okay, I think I only got a quarter of the way through this book before I decided to give up. It isn't because it's an awful book, but because I personally didn't like it. I felt like the author was trying too hard.
The main reason I gave up is that he kept repeating stories and quotes from people who said basically if you're not in ministry, you aren't serving God. Then he was countering that with the truth of God's creativity. While I've met a few people with this mindset, I have never found it to be the norm. I felt like he was trying to hard to make a point. Most of the Christians I've met have seen the value in arts and business to bring glory to Christ.
I also wasn't finding the book very engaging. Like I said, not a bad book, but just not for me at this point.
The main reason I gave up is that he kept repeating stories and quotes from people who said basically if you're not in ministry, you aren't serving God. Then he was countering that with the truth of God's creativity. While I've met a few people with this mindset, I have never found it to be the norm. I felt like he was trying to hard to make a point. Most of the Christians I've met have seen the value in arts and business to bring glory to Christ.
I also wasn't finding the book very engaging. Like I said, not a bad book, but just not for me at this point.
January 9, 2018
Are you called to create?
In this stunning, and possibly ground-breaking, book by Jordan Raynor, we find that there is such a thing as being "Called to Create".
I've been a creative person from the start. Growing up in a home where my father is an artists and musician and my mother is a quilter and a musician, I was never far from art supplies, music, a camera (disposable or otherwise), and the encouragement to create. My family nurtured my creativity. That is not always the case with some.
As we face in the "real world", the stress of choosing a career based on what you can be paid and what jobs are available is a big deterrent to creativity. It can be hard to say we want to "follow our creative dreams" when becoming a doctor seems so much more helpful. Or perhaps its the thought that starting up an Etsy shop doesn't seem as "holy" as becoming a missionary. For those of us who do break the mold and become entrepreneurs, we may find ourselves wondering if we can possibly serve God and our creative passions at the same time.
These things, and more, are all addressed in Jordan's fantastic book Called to Create. As a creative, I felt welcomed into this book from the very beginning. I thought - he's talking to me! - when he mentioned Etsy shop owners, writers, and photographers, but he uses such a wide variety of stories from all walks of life and different areas of creativity that any creative will feel at home among these pages.
I could go on and on about the things I liked in this book, but I'll leave it at saying that, if you are entrepreneurial and creative, you need to read this book. You need to be reminded that your talents are God-given and that He can do amazing and complex things with them. That you don't have to be a pastor or a missionary to serve Him fully. You also need to be reminded that everything we have is just that--a gift bestowed for use on a grand scale.
I highly recommend this to all creatives (writers, photographers, shop owners, calligraphers, business creatives, bakers, designers, stay-at-home moms who want to use their creative talents, and so many others!). You'll be refreshed, energized, encouraged and, if you're like me, ready to take on the next big project one creative effort at a time.
_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
In this stunning, and possibly ground-breaking, book by Jordan Raynor, we find that there is such a thing as being "Called to Create".
I've been a creative person from the start. Growing up in a home where my father is an artists and musician and my mother is a quilter and a musician, I was never far from art supplies, music, a camera (disposable or otherwise), and the encouragement to create. My family nurtured my creativity. That is not always the case with some.
As we face in the "real world", the stress of choosing a career based on what you can be paid and what jobs are available is a big deterrent to creativity. It can be hard to say we want to "follow our creative dreams" when becoming a doctor seems so much more helpful. Or perhaps its the thought that starting up an Etsy shop doesn't seem as "holy" as becoming a missionary. For those of us who do break the mold and become entrepreneurs, we may find ourselves wondering if we can possibly serve God and our creative passions at the same time.
These things, and more, are all addressed in Jordan's fantastic book Called to Create. As a creative, I felt welcomed into this book from the very beginning. I thought - he's talking to me! - when he mentioned Etsy shop owners, writers, and photographers, but he uses such a wide variety of stories from all walks of life and different areas of creativity that any creative will feel at home among these pages.
I could go on and on about the things I liked in this book, but I'll leave it at saying that, if you are entrepreneurial and creative, you need to read this book. You need to be reminded that your talents are God-given and that He can do amazing and complex things with them. That you don't have to be a pastor or a missionary to serve Him fully. You also need to be reminded that everything we have is just that--a gift bestowed for use on a grand scale.
I highly recommend this to all creatives (writers, photographers, shop owners, calligraphers, business creatives, bakers, designers, stay-at-home moms who want to use their creative talents, and so many others!). You'll be refreshed, energized, encouraged and, if you're like me, ready to take on the next big project one creative effort at a time.
_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
August 8, 2018
This book really got me thinking about creating for God’s glory and the good of others. About using profit to pour back into loving people and advancing God’s Kingdom. All the stories of how different people applied these truths in their life, ideas, and businesses were inspiring.
October 26, 2020
Oh. My. Word. I knew this book was going to be good but it truly blew my mind. Such a great book for Christian entrepreneurs, filled with practical advice and tips for living out your business to glorify God. Complete with stories and inspiration from other Christian entrepreneurs. An inspirational book and gave me a clearer view of being a Christian entrepreneur. 10/10 recommend!
October 31, 2017
This book has changed my perspective about the eternal value of all the things I create, such as in my scrapbooking, baking, writing, and other things throughout the day. I highly recommend this book to all entrepreneurs, creatives, and all those in full time ministry. He begins with "God was the first entrepreneur. Jordan discusses how we learn that He was creative before we learn that He is loving and merciful. A solid biblical foundation is laid throughout the book, along with over 40 stories of entrepreneurs and creatives. The last chapter ends with eternity and the value that our creativity will carry into our heavenly work. Inspiring.
September 26, 2023
Excellent. Spoke straight to the heart of what I needed to hear as a Christian creative. It’s clear that the author took great care to base all of his arguments in sound theology. This book presented lots of new, really compelling and life-giving perspectives on work and creativity. Loved it.
February 28, 2018
We are all creative in some manner. We all create processes, routines, or methods for our jobs (whether paid or unpaid). We all must figure out how to best juggle various roles and responsibilities, without failing miserably in any of them. We all must effectively adapt prior-learned skills and academic knowledge to our current situations. In doing so, we reflect our Maker — the very first creative being. He was the One who established order out of chaos to make something new for the good of others. This book gives some interesting food for thought on the idea of God as the First Entrepreneur, identifying the ways that role was reflected through each member of the Trinity (a unique but biblically-based perspective!), and connecting that to His invitation to us to continue creating in this world: “God created us to be co-creators with him, to do ‘the things that God has done in creation — bringing order out of chaos’ to create new things for the good of others.”
The crux of the matter is that everyone is called to create, or be creative, for the purpose of glorifying God, loving others, and making disciples. We cannot separate creativity from those things. And in order to accomplish them, we must find the place where our skill and ability intersect with the need of others. Raynor says: “In order to best glorify our Creator and love others, Christians should do the work we are best at, work that God has equipped us to do exceptionally well . . . If we choose work we can’t do well, that’s a poor reflection on God, whose character we are called to image to the world.”
This doctrine of creativity is developed throughout the rest of the book by focusing on four key elements.
— Calling: considering God as the First Entrepreneur, the theology of work, and embracing our call to create.
— Creating: understanding how the fact of our “Caller” changes the why, what, and how of our creating.
— Challenges: balancing hard work and trust, handling disappointment and failure, and renewing our minds.
— Charge: fulfilling the Great Commission through our unique calling, stewarding profit wisely, and creating for eternity’s sake.
Raynor cites examples and shares wisdom from over forty different Christian entrepreneurs — from the founders of Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger, to content creators such as Lewis, Tolkien, and Bach. He shares personal examples too, since he is (what he calls) a serial entrepreneur. He’s learned some of these lessons the hard way, and wants us to benefit from his mistakes.
Called to Create is not a dry examination of theory or a trifling record of stories: it is a biblically-based, richly-developed, practically-applied look at how and why every Christian is called to be creative. It is one of the best books I’ve read on the topic of creativity, partly because it’s one of the few written from a worldview firmly rooted in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. I would highly recommend to anyone considering the purpose of vocation, the motivations for work, the reasons for pursuing various occupations, or how to create with eternity always in view.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free as part of the Baker Books Bloggers program, in exchange for sharing an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
The crux of the matter is that everyone is called to create, or be creative, for the purpose of glorifying God, loving others, and making disciples. We cannot separate creativity from those things. And in order to accomplish them, we must find the place where our skill and ability intersect with the need of others. Raynor says: “In order to best glorify our Creator and love others, Christians should do the work we are best at, work that God has equipped us to do exceptionally well . . . If we choose work we can’t do well, that’s a poor reflection on God, whose character we are called to image to the world.”
This doctrine of creativity is developed throughout the rest of the book by focusing on four key elements.
— Calling: considering God as the First Entrepreneur, the theology of work, and embracing our call to create.
— Creating: understanding how the fact of our “Caller” changes the why, what, and how of our creating.
— Challenges: balancing hard work and trust, handling disappointment and failure, and renewing our minds.
— Charge: fulfilling the Great Commission through our unique calling, stewarding profit wisely, and creating for eternity’s sake.
Raynor cites examples and shares wisdom from over forty different Christian entrepreneurs — from the founders of Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger, to content creators such as Lewis, Tolkien, and Bach. He shares personal examples too, since he is (what he calls) a serial entrepreneur. He’s learned some of these lessons the hard way, and wants us to benefit from his mistakes.
Called to Create is not a dry examination of theory or a trifling record of stories: it is a biblically-based, richly-developed, practically-applied look at how and why every Christian is called to be creative. It is one of the best books I’ve read on the topic of creativity, partly because it’s one of the few written from a worldview firmly rooted in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. I would highly recommend to anyone considering the purpose of vocation, the motivations for work, the reasons for pursuing various occupations, or how to create with eternity always in view.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free as part of the Baker Books Bloggers program, in exchange for sharing an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are completely my own.
March 2, 2019
2019 MomAdvice Reading Challenge - Self-improvement
I was quite intrigued by this book but found it to be a let-down. Given the title, I expected it to talk more about being CREATIVE but it was more about businesses. I read like an essay in my opinion.
I was quite intrigued by this book but found it to be a let-down. Given the title, I expected it to talk more about being CREATIVE but it was more about businesses. I read like an essay in my opinion.
December 19, 2017
For Christian artists who have been told their creation isn’t valuable enough, not religious enough, not evangelical enough, or has no eternal significance....this book is for you. And it will change the way you think about your work.
December 24, 2018
I thought this book was about serving God in creative ways, but it’s really more like an inspirational manual for business people. Not being the target audience, I tired of the format quickly. I’m sure it’s well done, just wasn’t for me.
March 29, 2023
This one was a quick devour, being an entrepreneurial sort. I appreciated it. In my opinion, Raynor has a very good perspective of how a Christian ought to pursue their gifts and talents to create out of nothing, and to do so all for the glory of God.
He makes the point that the church (universal) doesn't think much of Christians who create and pursue business ventures and I would agree that he is right. Our family has had a dickens of a time trying to explain why we do what we do to other believers with regular 9-5 jobs. I very much appreciated how Raynor took the time to explain that we each have a calling and some of us are specifically called to create something from nothing. Generally speaking, I would say we are all mini creators who are all about the business of mimicking the Ultimate Creator. But I see Raynor's point that some people have exceptional talents to bring things to pass which did not previously exist and that is a rather amazing and unique skill in and of itself.
I liked that he spent talking about the difference and importance of both "the hustle" and faith. He expresses the absolute necessity of trusting in God for provision and care while at the same time bearing the responsibility to work. All in all, I thought he balanced his arguments out well.
I would heartily recommend this book to Christians who like the idea of being entrepreneurial or who know that they have this particular gift or skill. It's a good thing to check in with outside sources from time to time to make sure your heart is steady and in the right place when it comes to building a business and growing it into a hoped for success.
He makes the point that the church (universal) doesn't think much of Christians who create and pursue business ventures and I would agree that he is right. Our family has had a dickens of a time trying to explain why we do what we do to other believers with regular 9-5 jobs. I very much appreciated how Raynor took the time to explain that we each have a calling and some of us are specifically called to create something from nothing. Generally speaking, I would say we are all mini creators who are all about the business of mimicking the Ultimate Creator. But I see Raynor's point that some people have exceptional talents to bring things to pass which did not previously exist and that is a rather amazing and unique skill in and of itself.
I liked that he spent talking about the difference and importance of both "the hustle" and faith. He expresses the absolute necessity of trusting in God for provision and care while at the same time bearing the responsibility to work. All in all, I thought he balanced his arguments out well.
I would heartily recommend this book to Christians who like the idea of being entrepreneurial or who know that they have this particular gift or skill. It's a good thing to check in with outside sources from time to time to make sure your heart is steady and in the right place when it comes to building a business and growing it into a hoped for success.
October 21, 2024
I thought this was going to be about artistic creativity, but it was actually about entrepreneurship so not very applicable for me. However it did give me a greater appreciation for business as a creation, which I had never considered before. It also got me to impulse buy chic-fil-a lol.
I disagree with Raynor's statement that we can create out of nothing. Creating something that wasn't there before using material that already existed (and you didn't create) doesn't count as ex nihilo.
I did appreciate the overall theme that we are called to create and given special skills by God to do so, and I was particularly interested by the final chapter discussing the role of human creativity in the new earth.
A good read for those looking to start a business or even invest in one.
I disagree with Raynor's statement that we can create out of nothing. Creating something that wasn't there before using material that already existed (and you didn't create) doesn't count as ex nihilo.
I did appreciate the overall theme that we are called to create and given special skills by God to do so, and I was particularly interested by the final chapter discussing the role of human creativity in the new earth.
A good read for those looking to start a business or even invest in one.
November 4, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️
This book took me a while to read but I thought it was overall pretty good. I was annotating and taking notes and didn’t want to rush through it. A bit repetitive here and there and slow-paced, but the overarching message about using your creativity for God was really inspiring. I recommend this book to people who are stuck on how they can incorporate their faith into their work.
This book took me a while to read but I thought it was overall pretty good. I was annotating and taking notes and didn’t want to rush through it. A bit repetitive here and there and slow-paced, but the overarching message about using your creativity for God was really inspiring. I recommend this book to people who are stuck on how they can incorporate their faith into their work.
September 16, 2023
4.5 stars!
I probably wasn’t the intended audience for this book, but it still had a lot of great truths and advice that can apply to anyone. It was also interesting to take a look into the entrepreneurial world and the awesome work that Christians are doing there.
I probably wasn’t the intended audience for this book, but it still had a lot of great truths and advice that can apply to anyone. It was also interesting to take a look into the entrepreneurial world and the awesome work that Christians are doing there.
February 23, 2021
Everyone should read this - not just creatives and business owners! Great, biblically perspective on why we work as Christians.
November 18, 2017
This book is not quite what I anticipated, based on the title. I thought the book would deal with being creative in general. Raynor, however, has focused this book on only one aspect of being creative, being an entrepreneur.
I was surprised at Raynor beginning his book by saying God was the first entrepreneur. That just did not ring right with me. Raynor later gave this definition: “an entrepreneur is anyone who takes a risk to create something new for the good of others.” (Loc 130/2958) The risk could be financial or social so his definition is a much broader one than I would make. I do have an issue with calling God an entrepreneur, however. In general understanding, an entrepreneur is one who organizes and operates a business, that is, provides goods or services to people. Describing God as one who operates a business just does not ring true to me. Also, Raynor says such an operation must include risk. God is omniscient, knowing the future, so there was no risk involved in His creating. He knew precisely what was going to happen.
That criticism aside, I really appreciate this book. The Christian community has too often distinguished the “secular” work of owning a business from the “spiritual” work of full time ministry. Raynor sets the record straight, defending the traditional Reformed view that all life is spiritual, including non-ministry vocations. He writes about calling, motives, products, challenges to Christian entrepreneurs, making disciples, and more.
Raynor is an accomplished entrepreneur. He uses his own life as an example but also includes stories of many others. They are great illustrations of entrepreneurs doing their work to the glory of God and with excellence.
I do recommend this book to Christians who are interested in business. You'll find great examples of people doing much good for others. You'll see how entrepreneurs further the glory of God through both behavior and products. There is a link to a free journal you can download to work through your own thoughts as you read the book.
Food for thought: What will you choose to create for the glory of God and the good of others?
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I was surprised at Raynor beginning his book by saying God was the first entrepreneur. That just did not ring right with me. Raynor later gave this definition: “an entrepreneur is anyone who takes a risk to create something new for the good of others.” (Loc 130/2958) The risk could be financial or social so his definition is a much broader one than I would make. I do have an issue with calling God an entrepreneur, however. In general understanding, an entrepreneur is one who organizes and operates a business, that is, provides goods or services to people. Describing God as one who operates a business just does not ring true to me. Also, Raynor says such an operation must include risk. God is omniscient, knowing the future, so there was no risk involved in His creating. He knew precisely what was going to happen.
That criticism aside, I really appreciate this book. The Christian community has too often distinguished the “secular” work of owning a business from the “spiritual” work of full time ministry. Raynor sets the record straight, defending the traditional Reformed view that all life is spiritual, including non-ministry vocations. He writes about calling, motives, products, challenges to Christian entrepreneurs, making disciples, and more.
Raynor is an accomplished entrepreneur. He uses his own life as an example but also includes stories of many others. They are great illustrations of entrepreneurs doing their work to the glory of God and with excellence.
I do recommend this book to Christians who are interested in business. You'll find great examples of people doing much good for others. You'll see how entrepreneurs further the glory of God through both behavior and products. There is a link to a free journal you can download to work through your own thoughts as you read the book.
Food for thought: What will you choose to create for the glory of God and the good of others?
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 25, 2024
Update: 7 years later and this is still a 5 star. Love it.
I could not have read this book at a more perfect time. It's a comprehensive look at how God was not only the First Creator but also the First Entrepreneur. With several stories of Christian entrepreneurs told throughout the book alongside scripture, this book made a profound impact on me. It reminded me of things I knew but seem to lose every now and then in the day-to-day grind of running a business. I really recommend this book! Just be ready with a highlighter.
I could not have read this book at a more perfect time. It's a comprehensive look at how God was not only the First Creator but also the First Entrepreneur. With several stories of Christian entrepreneurs told throughout the book alongside scripture, this book made a profound impact on me. It reminded me of things I knew but seem to lose every now and then in the day-to-day grind of running a business. I really recommend this book! Just be ready with a highlighter.
March 16, 2022
Wasn’t very engaging and had an unexpected angle. Written from a very white and privileged viewpoint with a strong capitalist foundation. Was disappointed in the lack of acknowledgment of economic inequities when desiring to create in this specific way. The last 50 pages were better than the first 170. I had high expectations after Redeeming Your Time and this unfortunately fell short.
January 7, 2021
Creativity has always been something the world praises and celebrates. We gawk over what others have constructed, yet doubt that we could spend our lives doing the same thing. It's such a sad statement because it shows how few people realize that their passions can become their work, using their giftings to bring an impact and give glory to God.
Growing up, we are asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" From a young age, we feel pressured to figure out who we are going to be and how we're going to make a living. Straight out of high school, teens are expected to go to university/college and magically have a grasp on their identity. It's not surprising that so many wind up dropping out of school or changing their majors because rather than teaching our youth how to hear from God and dedicate their lives to Him, we encourage them to pursue success and money.
"Calling does not fundamentally begin with questions about ourselves but about God." ~ Andy Crouch
When I was a kid, my dad wouldn't allow people to ask me what I wanted to be. He would interrupt their remarks and tell them, "She is going to become who God has called her to be." Wholeheartedly believing that God would guide my life and show me the path to take, my father taught me that my future was not about getting stuck in a job because it pays well, but doing what God has called me to do and pursuing it with all my heart. Through my teen years, I rejected these teachings, wanting to be in charge of my own destiny; but, as I matured in my faith and began searching for Yeshua daily, I learned that my dad was right, my life is not mine to live as I please, but to serve the Lord in all I do! ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 )
As I began seeking the Father on what path He wanted me to walk down, I stumbled upon Jordan Raynor's book, Called to Create . Drawn to the idea that being a writer or entrepreneur was just as important in the Kingdom of God as a missionary or preacher, I felt encouraged to dig deeper and learn what this could mean for me. I've had so many people try to tell me who I should become, but their voices aren't the ones I listen to. While being a writer can be an uncertain career, I truly believe that when Yeshua is the foundation of your life and work, He will provide and open the right doors. Called to Create solidified my determination; rather than being a book that teaches people how to become a millionaire or find worldly success, Jordan encourages people to walk down the narrow, uncertain path and follow through obedience and faith!
"The highest calling is not being a pastor but becoming all God called you to be, namely a person who glories God in all you do." ~ Dave Gibbons
Called to Create not only encourages readers not to be afraid of the calling God has placed on their hearts but inspires them to meditate on the Word, spending time growing closer to the Father, and dedicating all we do to His glory. Humans have not been created to follow the crowd, work a 9-5 job, or save up to start life once we retire; we are called to live for God and serve overs right now! When we take our focus off how much money we make and put it on where God is leading us, life becomes far more exciting and meaningful.
I know that this lifestyle might terrify or seem impossible for some people, but let me assure you, discovering your calling does not mean you have to drop everything to sit and wait on God. Gain experience, try different jobs, work on your giftings to create a skill; only, don't allow yourself to get stuck in a career you know you're not created for. Do you find joy in your work? Do you wake up looking forward to the day, or are you like the millions who dread Monday's approach? You don't have to live like this; God hasn't called you to live like this. We each have a purpose on this earth, it might be more than one, and when we allow God to take the reins, we will find more fulfillment than in any other workspace.
"Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do." ~ Dorothy Sayers
Jordan Raynor's simple approach in Called to Create answers many of our questions while giving honest Biblical advice on how to proceed once God places a vision on our hearts. As I read this book, I heard the Lord speaking to me very clearly through Jordan's words and the quotes of entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to shine a light on our Savior. From the very first chapter, my eyes were opened to what the Father wanted to share with me, and, by the end, the Lord had given me a clear vision of where I am heading. The future is exciting and Called to Create gave me the push I needed to crack on with the work God has called me to do. If you want to bring deeper meaning to your life and wholeheartedly serve Yeshua through all that you do, this book could be the inspiration you need to fully commit to living by the Spirit and serving those around you. Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone
October 18, 2022
4.5 Stars
This book is fantastic. Somehow it is simple and easy to understand yet so profound. I will be pondering over the implications of this for a long while, and returning to this book when I need a reminder of what Christian Entrepreneurship can look like.
I appreciate the nuanced and thoughtful approach Raynor took while talking about things like business goals and profit. The real life examples helped me be able to visualize the concepts in action, but they did lend a little bit of an air of simplicity to the book. But the examples were included very well. I don't know if I 100% percent agree with the author's theology in every part, mostly because I'm just seeing to think through these concepts myself. But this is an excellent book to get you thinking along the right direction.
Highly recommend to anyone thinking about how faith can intersect with businesses in today's world.
This book is fantastic. Somehow it is simple and easy to understand yet so profound. I will be pondering over the implications of this for a long while, and returning to this book when I need a reminder of what Christian Entrepreneurship can look like.
I appreciate the nuanced and thoughtful approach Raynor took while talking about things like business goals and profit. The real life examples helped me be able to visualize the concepts in action, but they did lend a little bit of an air of simplicity to the book. But the examples were included very well. I don't know if I 100% percent agree with the author's theology in every part, mostly because I'm just seeing to think through these concepts myself. But this is an excellent book to get you thinking along the right direction.
Highly recommend to anyone thinking about how faith can intersect with businesses in today's world.
September 17, 2018
I tell everyone about this book - read it. Get your hands on a copy if you are any kind of creative person. Raynor talks about God as the first entrepreneur, and what that means for us since we are made in his image. If you've ever wondered how your 9-5 could possibly be as meaningful as your friend who goes on mission trips to Africa - this book is for you. If you've been trained to believe spending every waking minute at church serving is the only way to be a Christian - this book is for you. Accessible to read with relevant examples about how being a Christian and a creative business person are not mutually exclusive. Go get a copy!
March 13, 2023
This book is truly a great read for people of the Christian faith who are currently entrepreneurs or aspiring to be entrepreneurs. As a creative with many ideas and dreams for my life, I found this book to be helpful as I explore my own passions, calling, and personal gifts that may develop into an entrepreneurial endeavor in the future. It was freeing to be reminded that my goal as a Christian creative is not to make a name for myself. Instead, my goal is to make God known and glorified. I would highly recommend this book to those currently in the business world or to those who desire to create something new that will have kingdom impact.
May 24, 2019
This book spoke to my heart as a christian creative person. I really felt inspired and motivated to follow my passions that feel God-led an with the talents He's given me. I appreciate how there was a sense of motivation without pressure to perform too. It was more like a permission slip to explore the idea of "where can I take my creativity and promote the kingdom of heaven at the same time?" I definitely recommend to anyone who wants to combine their creative, spiritual and professional avenues in their life.
December 25, 2020
This book is fantastic. It explores the creative call, through the arts and entrepreneurship. I've read many books open this topic and this might be the best one. Raynor looks at such topics as God as the original entrepreneur, stewardship of profits, all the way down to creating in eternity. This is a book I will read often. With many stories from all sorts of Christian creatives and entrepreneurs, this book is highly inspirational. I really recommend it.
November 10, 2019
Jordan's book was so timely for me. He brilliantly highlights the creative nature each of us share with our Creator. This book liberated me to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that drives so much of my passion for creating. Excellent read if you are looking for fresh perspective in career as well as personal creativity.
May 12, 2022
I really loved this book! It provides amazingly purposeful perspective on how working and creating matters to God. I loved the business/entrepreneurial bend of it and the stories/examples that the author brings in from a wide spectrum of christians in business. This book has changed the way I view my current/future jobs and the it has changed my understanding of the purpose of business!
December 27, 2024
As a creative person myself, I found this book to be exactly what I needed. Raynor gives much advice and encouragement to those who seek to glorify God through entrepreneurship and creativity. This book will motivate you to use your work for God’s glory, and serves as a reminder that we do not work in vain when we work for the Lord. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to glorify God in their work.
January 1, 2022
I found this book really inspiring as it explored the character and nature of God. It also offered lots of insight into a biblical perspective on work and navigating purpose and vocation. Highly recommend!
September 17, 2023
Misleading Title
I expected this book to be something about... you know... creating.
Instead, this book is all about Biblical entrepreneurship. Don't get me wrong, that is a great and noble task. But for someone who is a writer, an artist, a musician... you know, the true creatives, the value in this book is mostly irrelevant.
I expected this book to be something about... you know... creating.
Instead, this book is all about Biblical entrepreneurship. Don't get me wrong, that is a great and noble task. But for someone who is a writer, an artist, a musician... you know, the true creatives, the value in this book is mostly irrelevant.
April 30, 2020
Inspirador. Especialmente pra quem ta começando a pensar sobre empreendedorismo e para profissionais de áreas criativas.
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